** If you don’t want to use nut butter or don’t have it on hand, half of a mashed banana works great here—but don’t leave it out! You need the nut butter OR banana to bind the protein powder, oats and ingredients together.

Directions:

Throw oats, protein powder and nut butter (or banana) into a bowl and mash them together.

When the mixture is well distributed, add milk to moisten the mixture.

Add sweetener to taste.

Blend in desired add-ins—try any of the following:

Unsweetened Cocoa powder (chocolate cookie – yum!)

Raisins, dried cranberries or other dried fruits

Ground espresso powder

Unsweetened applesauce

Canned pumpkin

Small dose of chocolate chips for an extra treat

Take the oat mixture and press it onto a plate with the back of a spoon. Try to compact it down and shape it into one big cookie.

Leave the UNCOVERED cookie in the fridge for several hours, or overnight. The cold air will harden the cookie and soften the oats slightly in the protein mixture.

In the morning—enjoy! Its great to top with yogurt, fruit, chocolate syrup or enjoy plain!